The Union become the first team to score on and defeat St. Louis CITY SC in the 2025 MLS campaign at Subaru Park Saturday night. Philly now has 12 points through five matches. Let’s wrap:
Duty Calls
Per a press release earlier in the week, eight Union players got International call ups to represent their national teams over the upcoming FIFA international window. Those selected were Andre Blake, Daniel Gazdag, Jesus Bueno, Danley Jean Jacques, and Tai Baribo. Additionally, homegrown defender Frankie Westfield returns to the U.S. Under-20 Men’s Youth National Team for training camp in L’Albir, Spain, while Neil Pierre joins the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Youth National Team for a training camp in Marbella, Spain.
This, of course, put the Union in a tough spot for their matchday lineup on Saturday.
That said, as the old sports adage goes, “next man up.”
“Many people thought that we were a lot weaker than we were last week,” Bradley Carnell said. “I’m glad we could show exactly what we’ve been building here over the last few weeks.”
The Union held a heavy possession advantage in the first half, but goalkeeper Ben Lundt was excellent in goal for St. Louis side. Despite having a mix bag of a roster, Philadelphia still fired 17 shots towards the opposition’s cage with eight of them being on target. Union keeper Andrew Rick filled in admirably for Andre Blake and registered his first clean sheet of the season. It was Rick’s seventh career start in the victory.
Ian’s First
In the 8th minute of play, defender Ian Glavinovich secured the win, heading in the lone goal off a corner kick. This match marked the first appearance of the season for Glavinovich, who was acquired back in December on a one-year loan with a club option to permanently transfer. The 23-year-old Argentinian has come as advertised for head coach Bradley Carnell, however.
“He’s composed,” Carnell said postgame. “He sees the game, and he knows if he should head it up the field and he knows if he should take it down on his chest. He’s a routine professional.”
To this point, it’s been an unfortunate start to Glavinovich’s MLS career. Several setbacks with a lingering hamstring issue has delayed his debut, and even with his fitness not quite being where he needs to be yet, it’s clear he possesses the type of quality on the ball that Philadelphia has needed.
They Said It
Bradley Carnell on His Gameplan Playing St. Louis: “This is a good team that doesn’t give much away. We thought once we get the first goal, then they’re going to have to open up. Then, we might have some more space in transition.”
Quinn Sullivan on the Wind Playing a Factor in Two Straight Games: “In the end, it doesn’t play that much of a factor because both team’s have to deal with it; it’s about who deals with it better. Obviously, game plans change and it was good for us to learn from our mistakes last week.”
Nate Harriel on Lining up in a New Position at the 10: “It was good. Bradley gave me a job and at the end of the day, there’s no excuses. You get put in a position and it’s nice to know that they trust me this early.”
Did You Know?
Saturday’s matchday marks the first time in the Union’s history they have ever played St. Louis City. St. Louis entered the league as a Western Conference side in 2023 as a MLS expansion club.
On Deck
The Union return to the pitch next Saturday, March 29th, to take on Inter Miami CF in Florida. The Matchday will be broadcast on Apple TV at 7:30 p.m.
